Shopping for a New Mattress? Why You Should Always Try Before You Buy

When it comes to purchasing a new mattress, there’s a lot more to it than just picking the right size and color. Finding a mattress that aligns with your body’s unique needs can be the difference between waking up refreshed and energized—or tossing and turning all night. One of the most effective ways to make an informed decision is to test mattresses in person. Below, we’ll discuss why trying before buying is crucial and share tips to help you choose the ideal mattress.

1. Understand Your Sleep Style

Just like stomach sleepers need certain firmness levels to maintain proper alignment, your personal sleep style—whether you’re a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper—dictates what type of mattress could work best for you. Here’s a quick overview:

• Side Sleepers: Typically need a softer surface that cushions shoulders and hips.

• Back Sleepers: Often do well on a balanced medium-firm bed that supports the spine’s natural curve.

• Stomach Sleepers: Benefit from a firmer mattress that prevents excessive sinkage around the midsection.

• Combination Sleepers: May need a bed that provides both pressure relief and supportive foam or coils to accommodate multiple positions.

Knowing your primary sleep position sets the stage for pinpointing the right feel and support level.

2. Why In-Person Testing Matters

You can read all the reviews you want, but no online description can replace the experience of actually lying down on a mattress. Spending a few minutes in your normal sleep position on a showroom model can reveal crucial details, like:

• Pressure Relief: Do your hips, shoulders, or lower back feel comforted and supported?

• Motion Transfer: If you share the bed, roll around a bit to see how much movement transfers across the surface.

• Edge Support: Sit or lie near the mattress edge to see if the bed remains stable or sags significantly.

These factors play a huge role in overall comfort and support, and you really can’t gauge them from a product photo or a quick text description.

3. Tailor Your Choice to Your Comfort Preferences

Mattress comfort isn’t one-size-fits-all. Even if a mattress comes highly recommended, it might not meet your personal preferences. When testing a mattress, take note of the following:

1. Firmness Level: Is it too soft, too firm, or just right?

2. Material Feel: Do you prefer the contouring hug of memory foam, the bounce of innerspring coils, or a hybrid model with the best of both worlds?

3. Temperature Regulation: Do you sleep hot? Some mattresses offer cooling features like gel-infused foam or breathable coil layers.

Think of your mattress test-drive as a chance to see how the bed responds to your movements, weight, and sleep posture.

4. Ask the Experts (They’re Here to Help!)

Mattress shopping can be confusing—there are so many brands, features, and types to consider. That’s why it’s a smart move to tap into the expertise of in-store staff:

• Explain Your Sleep Goals: Share any issues like back pain, pressure points, or poor sleep quality.

• Inquire About Special Features: Looking for cooling technology, extra edge support, or hypoallergenic materials? Let the experts know.

• Discuss Budget & Warranties: Explore your price range and confirm what’s covered in a warranty or sleep trial period.

With this information, sleep experts can narrow down your options to a handful of models that suit your needs best.

5. Explore Sleep First’s Comfort Guarantee

At Sleep First, we know how important it is to find a mattress that truly matches your sleep style. Our Comfort Guarantee allows you to test your new mattress in the comfort of your home for one full year -a 365 night risk-free trial. If it’s not the perfect fit, we’ll work with you to find an option that better meets your needs. We want you to rest easy—literally—knowing that your purchase is protected.

6. Make an Informed Decision

A mattress is more than just another piece of furniture—it’s an investment in your overall well-being. Prioritizing comfort, support, and long-term quality can help ensure you wake up feeling refreshed for years to come.

Key Takeaways

• Know your primary sleep style to determine the ideal firmness and features.

• Test mattresses in-store to feel real-time support, pressure relief, and motion transfer.

• Trust the guidance of knowledgeable staff who can recommend models that match your sleep goals and budget.

• Take advantage of Sleep First’s Comfort Guarantee for peace of mind.

Ready to Find the Perfect Mattress?

If you’re looking to experience top-tier support and personalized comfort, come visit us at Sleep First. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the testing process, answer questions, and make sure you leave with a mattress that’s perfectly suited to your sleep style. Don’t settle for restless nights—stop by our showroom and see how trying before you buy can transform your sleep routine.